Preventing Groin Injuries

Groin injuries are very common in the athletic population and account for approximately 10% of visits to sports medicine physicians (1). These injuries are also known as adductor muscle strains and vary in severity. They frequently occur in field based sports, with 31% of all musculoskeletal injuries in professional soccer involving the groin muscles (1). Determining modifiable risk factors, therefore, is critical to keep an athlete on the field and out of the training room.

Previous Groin Injuries
Researchers have determined that the main predictor of groin injury is having had a previous injury to the groin. Soccer players with a history of groin injuries are seven times more likely to have a reoccurrence (1). That number has been reported to be as high as 44% in the ice hockey population. The cause of high re-injury rates may be due to a number of factors. Altered movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and decreased balance can all make an individual more susceptible to injury.

Strength Imbalances
Strength imbalances between the abductor muscles on the outside of the hip and the adductor muscles have been associated with increased injury risk. A study in theAmerican Journal of Sports Medicine found that players who strained an adductor muscle had exhibited 18% less hip adduction strength in the preseason, as compared to players who did not get injured (2).

Decreased Rage of MotionRange of motion has also been identified as a risk factor for adductor strains. Soccer players with decreased total hip range of motion were more likely to develop groin pain over the course of a season. Decreased range of motion could result in altered biomechanics and compensation patterns during athletic competition.

Prevention through Exercise
To help prevent groin strains altogether, athletes should consider incorporating exercises that strengthen their groin muscles and maintain their range of motion. Examples include exercises that involve the legs moving together against as a resistance band, and dynamic balance activities such as standing and reaching to simulate the movements that are encountered during regular game play.

The information provided in this blog by HSS and our affiliated physicians is for general informational and educational purposes, and should not be considered medical advice for any individual problem you may have. This information is not a substitute for the professional judgment of a qualified health care provider who is familiar with the unique facts about your condition and medical history. You should always consult your health care provider prior to starting any new treatment, or terminating or changing any ongoing treatment. Every post on this blog is the opinion of the author and may not reflect the official position of HSS. Please contact us if we can be helpful in answering any questions or to arrange for a visit or consult.

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Located in New York City, HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the ninth consecutive year) and No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2018-19). Our mission is to provide the highest quality patient care, improve mobility and enhance the quality of life for all, and to advance the science of orthopedic surgery, rheumatology and their related disciplines through research and education. To make an appointment call 888.720.1982 or visit www.hss.edu. Please do not share personal health information on this site.